Ode to Breastfeeding

Will is 14 months now and I think we're in the process of the big W: Weaning.

Since his first birthday, we've only nursed first thing in the morning when he wakes and that's it. It buys us some extra cuddle time and sleep! In the last couple weeks, though, he's had mornings where he really seems to want to nurse and others where he seems bored and fidgety. So yesterday and today, I've tried a different routine of quietly reading some books in the rocker when he wakes. He loves books and it still gives us that nice, quiet, cuddle time. Also this week, I've been waiting till 7 a.m. to go into his room, even if he wakes before, and he seems okay with that. So on weekends, Craig & I will take turns getting up at 7 with him.

So in this post, I thought I'd give props to the age-old, mommy/baby activity that was such a huge part of our lives for so long. I will miss it now that we're done and look forward to sharing the same bond with the next baby.

I loved breastfeeding for these reasons:

1) Quiet, cuddle-snuggle time with my baby. Time that I could sit down and rest without feeling guilty.
2) Convenience! Easier at night feedings - just bring him to bed with me at feedings. No getting up to make a bottle.
3) Convenience again! No bottles to pack when going out or traveling - his food is permanently attached and at the ready!
4) Helped me get back to prepregnancy shape. At my 6 week postpartum appointment, I was 6# below my prepregnancy weight. And now, about 8# below it. (And I'm not going to pretend that filling out my shirts a little nicer wasn't an added bonus... It was nice while it lasted.)
5) Saved me >$1000 in formula during the first year!
6) Protected me from breast, ovarian and endometrial cancers.
7) Helped develop my baby's immune system and protected him from SIDS, allergies, asthma, ear infections, respiratory infections, diabetes and obesity later in life, and certain childhood cancers.
8) Helped me feel connected to my baby when I had to return to work because I pumped 3 times during each work day.
9) Doing something special that only I could do for my baby. And the feeling of empowerment in knowing that my body is capable of completely sustaining a life.
10) Delayed return in fertility. I've been charting my (non-existent) "cycles" and am anticipating my first postpartum period this month. My last one? Two years ago. Nice!!!
11) Better smelling poopy diapers (before solid foods start, of course!).
12) With the help of specially designed breastfeeding "gear" like the clever-named "Hooter Hider" (nursing cover), we could nurse anywhere. For example, some interesting places I fed my baby: my work, Craig's work, in a parked car, at the mall, on an airplane, at the beach, in church, in a lounge chair around a hotel pool, at several restaurants including Nagoya (WHILE the chef was preparing our meal in front of us!), in the stands at high school football and basketball games, on a bench in the middle of the Apple Butter Festival, etc. etc. Hey, when they're first born, they eat like 8-12 times per day! You make do and go on with your life!

So, to sum up, breastfeeding was an awesome experience for us. There were definitely challenges, but I was determined to make it work. I think Will & I are both grateful we did.